Nuquí: Beaches, Whale Watching & Tourism on Colombia's Pacific
Nuquí is a beach and ecotourism destination on the Colombian Pacific, in the Chocó department.
A trip to Nuquí is ideal for lovers of nature, the beach and diving.
Visiting Nuquí is a chance to discover a classic Chocó town of beautiful Pacific beaches, surrounded by tropical rainforest. The region is famous worldwide for its biodiversity.
At the far end of Nuquí bay you can see small islets known as the Morros de Vidal, home to important colonies of seabirds that feed in the rich waters of the Pacific.
How to get to Nuquí
Nuquí is reached by air from Quibdó on 40-minute flights, or by sea from Bahía Solano or Buenaventura. The easiest way is by "panga" (motorboat) from Bahía Solano.
Travel times:
From Buenaventura to Nuquí: 24 hours by slow boat and 8 hours by speedboat.
From Bahía Solano (El Valle) to Nuquí: 1 hour.
Note: travel time depends on the weather and the condition of the boat. There is no transport every day, so it's best to check by calling a hotel reception or the town hall.
Tourism
Nuquí is a small town facing the sea with the jungle at its back. In the village there is lodging, guesthouses, hotels and camping, along with a few eateries and shops selling the basics. The people are friendly and you can easily explore the surroundings on foot.
Camping in Nuquí
You can camp in the village; some houses offer space to pitch a tent or hang hammocks. Keep in mind that rain is very frequent and insects are abundant.
Things to do in Nuquí
As an ideal ecotourism destination, Nuquí offers nature-based activities such as enjoying deserted beaches, jungle hikes, boat trips and sport fishing.
Whale season: between July and October you can watch the humpback whales.
A few minutes from the village are hot springs, the perfect place for a relaxing soak.
Whales: sightings and excursions
Every year between July and October, humpback whales arrive on the Nuquí coast. They feed in polar waters and migrate to warmer seas to breed, and Nuquí is an excellent place to watch them. From the village, boat trips approach at a safe distance so as not to disturb these giants of the sea, which can weigh more than 35 tons. Without doubt an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Diving in Nuquí
Diving is another activity on offer. Off the coast there are various dive sites for immersions to admire the marine life — snappers, sharks, dolphins and large schools of fish moving in spectacular formations.
Map of Nuquí
Frequently asked questions about Nuquí
On the Pacific coast, in the Chocó department, a Chocó town of beaches surrounded by tropical rainforest, famous for its biodiversity.
By air from Quibdó (about a 40-min flight) or by sea. Most common is by panga (boat) from Bahía Solano (1 h) or by boat from Buenaventura (8 to 24 h). There are no daily departures, so check ahead.
Humpback whale watching (in season), diving and snorkeling, visiting Guachalito and Coquí beaches, the hot springs and waterfalls, and exploring the jungle and the Morros de Vidal.
Humpback whales reach the Colombian Pacific roughly between July and October, the best time to watch them.
It is a remote ecotourism destination: rain is frequent, insects are abundant (bring repellent) and transport depends on the weather. Book lodging and transfers in advance.
There are ecolodges and guesthouses on the seafront (many in the Guachalito area), simple hotels in the village and camping options.